Heavenly Hellebores
Hellebores help early-rising bees
If there are healthy honeybee hives in your neighborhood, you may spot the occasional intrepid worker bee venturing out on any sun-warmed afternoon as early … Continue reading
Rachel Foster
Author: Rachel Foster
Do Yourself a Fava
(See what we did there?)
Here’s why you should consider growing fava beans: They are protein-rich and tasty, and you are likely to eat more fava beans if you grow … Continue reading
Sleeping Beauties
Summer bare patches can be filled in the fall
I imagine many gardens have some awkward little areas that are difficult to irrigate efficiently. Mine certainly does. Now that long, hot, dry summers are … Continue reading
A Passion for the Land
True love grows in an Oregon garden
In mid-July I visited Marietta and Ernie O’Byrne, to talk about their recently published book, A Tapestry Garden: The Art of Weaving Plants and Place. … Continue reading
Geums Old and New
Time for some fresh plant introductions
When it comes to plant buying, I tend to be resistant to new introductions. I generally stick with varieties that have a track record in … Continue reading
A Handful of Hardy Geraniums
Since I ranted earlier this spring about a geranium species you do not want in your garden, it seems only fair to feature some of … Continue reading
True or False?
True Solomon’s seal isn’t native
At a plant sale last year I found some nice specimens of Solomon’s seal wrongly placed on a table reserved for Oregon native plants. And … Continue reading
Shining Geranium: the Sequel
Advice from an expert with personal experience
In response to my March column about the scourge of shining geranium, local resident Alan Van Zuuk has provided more detail on how to control … Continue reading
Dress up your Salads
There’s more to colorful salads than eye appeal
Years ago a chiropractor who was into nutrition told me that salads should be composed of at least nine ingredients. Or was it seven? Plain … Continue reading
A Word of Warning
Beware the shining geranium
A small but perniciously invasive plant is headed to a yard near you. And trust me, this is not a plant you want in your own … Continue reading